A sheriff's deputy in a Lawndale patrol vehicle crashed into a wall Thursday while apparently trying to avoid a collision in South Los Angeles, authorities said.

The deputy's injuries were minor, said Lt. Steve Jauch of the South Los Angeles sheriff's station.

The accident happened about 6 a.m. as the sheriff's vehicle was headed north on South Normandie Avenue approaching 93rd Street, said Karina Munoz of the California Highway Patrol's West Los Angeles Office. She said another vehicle traveling west on 93rd appeared to have turned left onto Normandie in front of the deputy, who hit the wall of a nearby church.

"It was a Lawndale patrol vehicle. ... He was going to a call," Munoz said. "He completely avoided (the vehicle) but the evasive action made him collide into the church."

Officers were continuing to investigate the accident. Munoz said the drivers' speeds were unknown.